Father Urriza celebrates 65 years of priesthood

Augustinian Father Luis Urriza celebrated his 65th anniversary as a priest June 18 at Cristo Rey. Beaumont.

“I came to Port Arthur on Christmas day. After four days on a train. I am there for a while. I hear of families in Beaumont that needed a priest so I say I can help. In 1951 I said the first Mass for Cristo Rey,” Father Urriza said during his homily.

Msgr. Michael Jamail, vicar general, offered his thanks and the thanks of Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, and his fellow priests.

“On behalf of the bishop and the priests of the diocese I want to offer gratitude not only for his service to you but also to the diocese. St. Paul wrote on his letter to the Philippians that Christ emptied himself and that is what Father Urriza has done here,” Msgr. Jamail said.

After Mass, attendees gathered in the parish hall for food and fellowship.

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